Aerospace engineering firm Kaman expanding to North Charleston to serve Boeing

A Connecticut-based aerospace firm is expanding to North Charleston to support Boeing.

Kaman Aerospace Group announced Tuesday that its subsidiary, Kaman Engineering Services, has a new office at the Clemson University Restoration Institute on the old Navy base, and will place a team of workers near Boeing’s jet-building operation near Charleston International Airport.

The company did not say how many workers it would bring to North Charleston.

The office will support the growing aerospace industry in the Southeast, said Jim Larwood, president of Kaman Aerosystems.

“Kaman Engineering Services provides a unique, high-level engineering skill set and competency that aligns with the needs of Boeing S.C.’s operation,” Larwood said in a statement. “This investment is one of several investments in Kaman’s strategy of geographic diversification, and we are pleased to be part of the growing research and development community in the Charleston region.”

The company, working as stress liaison, will work with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner program structures team.

“Kaman’s on-site teams will include lead engineers to provide the greatest impact of the co-location and (will) support the Boeing engineering teams,” said Cliff Ward, general manager of Kaman Engineering Services.

Gov. Nikki Haley welcomed the company’s announcement and said the aerospace sector is a major driver of the state’s economy.

“Seeing Boeing suppliers like Kaman Engineering Services opening new offices in South Carolina speaks volumes for our economic future,” the governor said.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said the firm widens the job base for the city.

“Significant capital investments and increased opportunities for quality new jobs, as Kaman is providing, continue to strengthen our city,” Summey said.

Also, Nicholas Rigas, the local Clemson campus’ executive director, said, “Our campus is built on a foundation of applied research and public-private partnerships, and Kaman’s diversified portfolio makes this leading aerospace and industrial distribution company an ideal new partner.”

The company also maintains an office in Everett, Wash., near Boeing’s aircraft assembly hub.